Officers were called to the Jack In The Box at 1817 Contra Costa Blvd. around 5:40 a.m. on reports of a man with a knife inside the business, according to police.
Police arriving on the scene surrounded the restaurant and evacuated some employees.
During their search of the building, officers learned the suspect had attempted to steal cash from the business but instead took one or more employees at knifepoint into an office, police said.
The suspect held the workers hostage as police secured and contained the restaurant.
No injuries were reported.
Around 6:40 a.m., the suspect surrendered, exiting the building, police said.
Officers arrested the man, identified as 41-year-old Pittsburg resident Samuel Guerrero, on suspicion of robbery, false imprisonment, kidnapping and kidnapping for ransom.
